Inside My Kids' Sleep Spaces: What We Use for Better Rest

If you saw my reel on Instagram yesterday, you would have seen a breakdown of what are some of our non-negotiables in our kids sleep spaces.

When it comes to sleep, it’s easy to feel like you need the perfect nursery setup to get it “right.”But honestly? You don’t need fancy gadgets or a picture-perfect room.

Good sleep starts with consistency, calm, and connection, not an Instagram-worthy nursery. In this blog, I’m giving you a peek inside what’s really in my kids’ rooms to support healthy, restful sleep (spoiler: it's beautifully simple!).

1. Blackout Blinds

Absolute non-negotiable in our house! Babies and toddlers sleep so much better in the dark — darkness boosts melatonin (the sleepy hormone) and helps them settle more easily for naps and nighttime.

Even during the day, we keep their rooms super dark for naps.(No fancy built-in blinds here — stick-on blackout blinds work brilliantly too!) we have an old victorian home and our sash windows dont fit blinds, and if Im honest, the ones we got off Amazon and can be cut to size work even better than others I have tried.

2. White Noise Machine

We have a simple white noise machine that plays all night. It helps drown out household sounds, barking dogs, creaky floors, siblings, and mimics the comforting whooshing sounds babies heard in the womb. I recommend buying a white noise machine that plugs in, NOT battery operated. I have spent many 2am's running around looking for batteries. Also find one that fills a room, some tend to sound a bit "tinny" and apps can be faulty with wi-fi.

Consistent white noise can also help little ones link sleep cycles more easily.

(Top tip: Keep it at a safe distance from the cot and at a safe volume — about the level of a running shower.)

3. Comfort Items

Both of my kids have a special comfort item:

• A soft cuddly teddy (approved for safe sleep at the right age)

• A lightweight, breathable blanket for older kids

These comfort items become beautiful sleep cues over time. Familiar and reassuring.

4. Bedtime Books Close By

We keep a small basket of bedtime books next to the bed. Simple, gentle stories signal that it’s time to wind down. Reading together also strengthens connection, and connection is the foundation for restful sleep.

5. A Calm, Simple Space

We keep toys, bright colours, and distractions out of the sleep space as much as possible.The room is for winding down, not a party! 🎉

• Neutral wall colours

• Soft lighting (salt lamps or small bedside lamps with dim bulbs are lovely)

• No flashy light-up toys or screens

Less stimulation = a calmer mind at bedtime.

6. A Familiar Bedtime Rhythm

What happens in the room matters just as much as what’s in the room. We use a simple, predictable routine that flows naturally each night:Bath → Massage → Pyjamas → Feed → Story → White noise → Sleep sack → Sleep

The environment and the rhythm together help my kids know:"It’s safe to relax. It’s time to rest."

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Fancy

Setting up a great sleep space isn’t about buying all the "right" products.It’s about creating a predictable, calm, and safe environment where your little one feels secure enough to drift off.

Start simple. Add what feels good.And always remember: it’s you, your love, your presence, your responsiveness, that makes the biggest difference. 💛

Want help creating a peaceful sleep rhythm for your little one?

✨ Book a 1:1 Sleep Support Session with me here✨

Together, we’ll find gentle, realistic solutions that work for your family.